Ultra Large Format

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Ultra Large Format (ULF) photography refers to photography using cameras producing negatives larger than 8x10" (20x25cm).

The ULF photography 'movement' has known a revival in the last few years, and is still expanding, along with film photography which, despite the very large market share of digital photography, still has many practitioners.

[edit] Origins

In the 19th century and early 20th century, photographic materials were not sensitive enough to light to allow for enlarging. All prints were contact prints, which meant a large negative was needed if one wanted a large picture. This can only be achieved by using a large camera.

[edit] Advantages

• The sheer size of the negative allows for very precise detail reproduction.
• Large negatives can be used to make contact prints, which is a method used with many alternative photographic processes.
• Images produced have a presence that is difficult to obtain through any other means.

[edit] Trade-Offs

• Very heavy and costly equipment
• High cost of film
• Cumbersome manipulation, which slows down the photographic process significantly
• Absence of international standards for film holders beyond 11x14" (30x40 cm)

[edit] External links

• Mamut Photo, a website talking about Ultra-Large format photography
• APUG.ORG, an international community of like minded individuals devoted to traditional (non-digital) photographic processes. Site contains many discussion forums including an Ultra Large Format Forum.